Ive been studying Tithing and Offering as it pertains to moving, operating, and living in the providence (sounds like provide/provident and simply means divine guidance or care; making provision for the future-insert shout here...already lol) of God. And in Mal.3:6,7 God gives us two insights concerning who He is and what He does. He opens up by saying, I AM the Lord (or I AM is the Lord or I AM is Lord) and I change not... Then verse 7 states, Return to Me and I will return unto you saith the Lord of Hosts... Two different names are used to express two different characteristics of God concerning His People and what He does for them. The name I AM is YHWH; its the name that was given to Moses when it was time for the Covenant to be exercised. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob only knew the Name God Almighty (El Shaddai-Gen.17:1) because the covenant was being established and ratified (ratify-to approve and accept formally; this was done at the offering of Isaac). Now when it was time for that Covenant to be put into motion, God revealed another Name! He says, I AM meaning that the Covenant is forever and Hes keeping or holding up His end of the deal per se; its the Name that was used to bring out or deliver the Israelites from the bondage of the Egyptians. So with that, you dont tithe for an exchange to be blessed; YOURE ALREADY BLESSED! We dont negociate with God by perverting His Word, acting as if He said, If you do this then I will do this. Thats not how tithing and offerings work. God hasnt changed when it comes to who you are in Him. He said, therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed because He is the I AM and HE DOES NOT CHANGE (interesting how He DIDNT say, therefore ye sons of Israel huh?!?!? But He specifically stated sons of Jacob #Intriquing). He then calls Himself Lord of Hosts. This is what He does for us. Lord of Hosts releases the warfare side of our God. He is Captain of Heavens Armies so anytime He mentions this particular Name, know Hes in defense mode. Hence, I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground....saith the Lord of Hosts (He never uses His other Names-Jehovah Jireh, El Shaddai, El Roi) when it comes to contending with enemies against His people. And with that, YOU DONT rebuke your finances.....or lack thereof....WE DONT HAVE THE MEANS OR AUTHORITY TO DO SO....which leads me to believe that #TithesAndOffering is a supernatural exercise in which our only responsibility is to bring and God does whatever He is bound to perform. #LivingEffectivelyAndEfficientlyInTheProvidenceOfGod
Posted on: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 00:46:36 +0000